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Durham Region Zero-Emission Buses

Sector
Enabling Housing Supply
Region
Durham Region, Ontario
Investment
$62 million
(Financial close)
Partner(s)
Durham Region, Durham Region Transit
Public impact(s)
↓6,500t CO2e annually

Zero-Emission Buses supporting Durham Region’s goal of transitioning to an emission neutral fleet by 2037

Durham Region will purchase 98 zero-emission buses (ZEBs) to replace its conventional diesel buses.

Fast facts

Reduce emissions by 6,500 tonnes/year
Cleaner and quieter commuting option for residents
Lower expected maintenance and fuel costs

The CIB’s $62 million investment with Durham Region towards 98 zero-emission buses (ZEBs) – an alternative low-carbon transit solution – will support a more sustainable community for residents.

The CIB will finance a portion of the ZEBs which Durham Region plans to purchase over the next four years and will be repaid from expected fuel and maintenance cost savings as measured against costs of an equivalent diesel bus.

The addition of these electric buses will support DRT’s E-Mission Zero program and Durham’s plan to transition to a full fleet of zero-emission vehicles by 2037.

Aligning with Durham Region’s Corporate Climate Change Action Plan and Community Energy Plan, DRT is committed to adopting renewable technologies that contribute to sustainable communities across the Region.

Benefits of the CIB’s involvement

The CIB’s Zero-Emission Buses Initiative assists transit agencies and school boards in transitioning their fleets to modern, environmentally friendly vehicles. The financing, in the form of direct loans, can cover a portion of the higher upfront capital cost of ZEBs compared to diesel buses. We enable our partners to modernize their bus fleets on an accelerated basis by taking advantage of our flexible financing options.

Learn more

This project originated in 2023 under the CIB's Public Transit sector.
Group photo of men and women in front of nova bus
A Durham Region Transit electric "Pulse" bus at a bus stop
Nova - blue bus in motion
A Durham Region Transit electric "Pulse" bus with a bicycle racked on the front
Durham Region

This milestone financing agreement represents a significant stride towards the goals outlined in Durham Region’s Climate Change Action Plan. We are grateful to be supported by the Canada Infrastructure Bank to enable Durham Region Transit to begin to realize its E-Mission Zero goals.

John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer
Durham Region Transit

DRT’s transition to a zero-emission fleet is critical to the health of our community and requires significant capital investment to achieve our targets. Financing provided by the CIB makes it possible for DRT to advance our E-Mission Zero program and accelerate our reductions of greenhouse gas emissions.

Bill Holmes, General Manager